Protocol launched to support young people into adult life

A new Transition Protocol has been launched to ensure young people with additional needs have a smoother and more consistent move into adult life.

Launched at Baglan Community Church, over 100 people made up of third sector organisations, carers, health, education and social work professionals, attended the event to find out more about the protocol.

The launch outlined the processes of how Children’s and Adult’s Social Services will work closely together to start gathering information about 14-year-olds who will need support as they get older. This might include young people with a learning disability, physical disability, sensory impairment, mental health needs or cognitive impairment.

The protocol sets out how the young person should be treated during this stage in their life and aims to ensure that they are at the heart of the process. It specifies how, from the age of 16, a single care and support plan will be developed for their transition at the age of 18.

During this time, both services will also work with other relevant agencies to ensure all of the necessary support is in place. To help deliver the protocol, a Tracking and Planning Group with representation from across these agencies has been re-established.

The protocol has been implemented to ensure the transition experience is easier and meets the needs of families. This will be achieved by removing barriers and through effective multi-agency working.

Councillor Ali Thomas OBE, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council said:

“The launch is important for ensuring that everyone that is going to be involved in this process is aware of the new Transition Protocol.”

“Becoming an adult and the new responsibilities and pressures that this can bring is often a daunting time for young people. If young people who receive support from our Children’s services are likely to need ongoing support from Adult services, we want to make sure that the move from one part of our service to another is as seamless and stress-free as possible for them.”